affiliation

noun

1. The relationship resulting from affiliating one thing with another.

2. legalThe establishment of a child's paternity or maternity

3. A club, society or umbrella organisation so formed, especially a trade union.

4. A social or business relationship

   “a valuable financial affiliation”

   “he was sorry he had to sever his ties with other members of the team”

   “many close associations with England”

   Similar: association, tie, tie-up

5. The act of becoming formally connected or joined

   “welcomed the affiliation of the research center with the university”